Not sure if your sneezing is due to a cold or hayfever? Answer the following questions to figure out what’s causing your symptoms, so you can treat them accordingly.
DO YOU HAVE A RUNNY NOSE?
YES, it’s like Niagara Falls: If it’s a thin, clear discharge, it’s most likely a sign of allergies. However if it’s thick and sticky, then it’s most likely a cold.
NO, my nose isn’t runny: The most common symptom of allergies or a cold is a stuffy, runny nose. So, you probably don’t have either!
IS YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE NORMAL?
YES, it’s 37° degrees Celsius: Hayfever usually doesn’t cause a fever.
NO, I have a fever: Ugh. One of the worst things about a cold is the fever that may accompany it.
ARE YOU FREE OF ACHES AND PAINS?
YES, my body feels OK: hayfever is not usually accompanied by an aching body.
NO, I’m achy: An aching body typically means that you may have a cold rather than allergies.
DID YOUR SYMPTOMS DEVELOP QUICKLY?
YES, they developed quickly: Hayfever allergy symptoms flare up as soon as you come in contact with an allergen, so this could mean you have hayfever allergies.
NO, they developed slowly: Cold symptoms usually take several days to develop.
IS THE WEATHER WARM?
YES, it’s warmer outside: Hayfever is more common during the warmer months when the air is filled with pollen.
NO, brrrr it’s chilly outside: Colds are more likely to develop in colder weather.